woodend methodist church . . beginning historical/6(4...efforts as the following story will tell. a...

Parts of His Ways – Woodend Methodist Church by W.A.Chambers

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication 6 (4) 1948

Woodend Methodist Church

. . Beginning . .

Early in 1858 Messrs Thomas Ayers, William Gibbs, and Charles Skevington

together with their wives and families, left England for the Canterbury settlement in

the good ship "Zealandia" then making her maiden voyage out. Of the rigours of the

journey little need be said, except that Samuel's future wife who came out in the first

and last passage of the "Clontaff", was the only surviving child when the ship berthed

in Lyttelton. Nevertheless, "Zealandia" made Lyttelton on the 21st September, 1858,

and continued in this service until 1870 at least. On landing, this little party tramped

over the Port Hills and made straight for their relatives in Gibbs Town, later called

Woodend.

At this time the country was in its native state. High flax and raupo stood everywhere

and through each hollow flowed running water. There was also a thousand acres of

standing native bush composed mostly of red, white and black pine, but with a few

total as and an odd maire in it which extended from the North Road, or track as it was

then called, through Tuahiwi and across to the Cam Church Bush. At this time the

settlers were buying this land by the acre, and when the timber had been felled and the



land occupied, the stumps were dug out and sold as firewood. It was from Gibbs'

Town's situation at the end of the Maori Bush that it was later called Woodend, that

name first appearing on the 1858 survey map of Mr. Dobson Canterbury's Chief

Surveyor. Under this gentleman Messrs. Ayers, Gibbs and Skevington found

employment in the construction of the Rangiora Road and later on the North Road

from the Styx to the Weka Pass, first opened up for transport by another Methodist,

the late James Ashworth of "Harleston", Sefton.

SOD HOUSE

The Sod House where the first Methodist Services were held in Woodend.

In those days Woodend was teeming with rugged life and many stories are told of

incidents that threatened to ruin the infant settlement. In January 1858 and again in

September 1859 fires broke out and raged through the bush threatening the lives of

scores of axeman and sawyers and even in the village water had to be thrown on the

roofs of houses to ensure their safety. Then one night, early in the sixties, all was tense

as the settlers provided themselves with arms. A native attack was expected to

synchronise with the North Island risings. Fortunately, through the friendliness of

Isaiah Chief at Kaiapoia, the scare came to nothing. Then there was the outbreak of

pleuro-pneumonia among the cattle, when hundreds of infected beasts were cordoned

off and shot by mounted police in spite ot the farmers' indignation meetings held at Mr

Panckhursts' hotel. And then there was the stream of hard living harvesters passing

from the city to the great estates further north or the smaller holdings nearer at hand,

who were noted for their heavy drinking during the harvesting and threshing seasons.

This was at a somewhat later date, when the evil was countered with a Band of Hope

of 126 young members.



Such was the sort of life to which these settlers came. There was neither Church nor

school in the village. The Church they were instrumental in founding. The School they

helped prosper.

Methodism in Canterbury in 1859

Canterbury Methodism goes back some years before this later company of pilgrims

arrived in Lyttelton. In 1844 the Rev. Charles Creed, pioneer missionary among the

Southern Maoris had visited the Peninsula, but little was done. That was the first

Methodist contact with this area. It was not until 1854 that the first Methodist Church

was built in the Province. This was the first High Street chapel which was later

replaced. On the 4th March, 1855 the first Lyttelton Church was opened. This also,

had to be replaced. Together with these Churches, preaching places had been opened

at Kaiapoi, Papanui, Rangiora and Riccarton,, and that was the extent of Methodism in

Canterbury. Yet the cause was compact and full of promise for in 1856 we find Rev.

John Aldred, Superintendent of the Canterbury Circuit, writing to the Rev. G. Osborn:

"You will be glad to know that our good work here is progressing. The close of

this year finds us in a better state in every respect than we were in at its

beginning. Our receipts have increased considerably. Our numbers of hearers and

scholars have also increased and so have our Church members. Looking at the

very great and well known peculiarities of the place as a church settlement we

have very much to encourage. This Province is extensive, so much so that I

cannot without aid work it efficiently. We have not the shadow of an accredited

Local Preacher in the Province, and our long continued cry is still the same, let

us have another man."

To this gentleman Messrs. Gibbs, Ayers and Skevington handed their Removal Notes

when they arrived at Lyttelton. But the contact did not end there. After the day's hard

road making or timber felling these Methodists tramped in to Kaiapoi to attend the

nearest class meeting, and from there the request was made that services should be

held at Gibbs' Town. The first service was conducted in the summer of 1858-9 by

Rev. W. Rowse of Lyttelton in the late Mr James Gibb's house, the remains of which

are still to be seen several hundred yards up the North Road on the property of Mr D.

Hewitt. The only other thing that the late Mr Samuel Ayers could remember about this

service was the first hymn, "Awake our souls, away our fears".

After the first Circuit Plan was printed services were regularly held in Mr James

Gibb's house, Messrs. Sharplin and Hall being the most frequent preachers and the

Revs. Aldred and Rowse paying occasional visits. Yet it was a good service. The walls

of this Bethel were sods; the pews rough hewn bush timbers; the singing led by young

Samuel's true tenor voice cultivated as a choir boy in Turvey Cathedral, while at the

end of the room sang iron kettles in a fire place large enough to hold an ox. Here the



preacher expounded the way of the Lord Jesus, and the Lord was pleased to own their

efforts as the following story will tell.

A facsimile copy of the first Wesleyan Methodist Plan of the Canterbury Circuit 1859.

The Building of the Churches

For a time services continued to be held in Mr James Gibbs' house, but when the first

school was built, worship was transferred there. Even so, a building used as day

school, Sunday School, dwelling, and Church v/as hardly suitable for the conduct of

public worship. Thus in 18G1 the Rev. James Buller took the names of the first

Woodend Wesleyan Methodist Church Trustees, who, recorded in the front of the

Minute Book commencing 1869, were:—

Thomas Wilson, Robert Atkinson, Thomas Ayers, Charles Skevington, William

Gibbs, Arthur Gibbs, Thomas J. Turner, Thomas Veysey, and Richard Meredith.

Unfortunately the first Trust Minute Book of the Church is lost and anything like a full

account of the erection of this Church is impossible. However we know that the

Provincial Government subsidised the building pound for pound and that the Church

was opened free from debt amid general rejoicing. This was the fourth cause

established and the sixth Church opened, in Canterbury.

In this building the congregation continued to meet until it became obvious that some

sort of enlargement was necessary. At a Trust meeting held on October 2nd, 1876, this

move was initiated but not without some small difference of opinion.

"Moved by Mr Skevington, seconded by Mr A. Gibbs that the present building

be lengthened 23 feet."



—Lost.

"Moved as an amendment by Mr Salkeld, seconded by Mr Marshall that the

present building be lengthened 26 feet." —Carried.

THE OLD CHURCH

The Old Church opened in 1864 by Rev. James

Buller, President of the Australasian Methodist Conference.

The secretary records:—

These extensions were carried out by Mr. Salkeld for the sum of £189, and the

re-opening services were conducted on the 15th and 22nd April, 1877, the Rev.

J. S. Smalley preaching on the first, and Rev. Wm. Cannell preaching on the

second, Sunday. Many Churches in Canterbury passed through a similar phase of

life in the 'seventies and 'eighties of last century. These two decades are the most

vigorous in the building of Canterbury Methodism.

After the extension of the building, Church life consolidated and attention was

directed towards other needs—effecting improvements, maintaining the cemetery,

building a parsonage, and striving for Circuit status.

The parsonage site was purchased in 1880 on the initiative of the late Mr James Little.

Early in April, 1889, the plans of a neat and substantial seven roomed house were

accepted, the whole undertaking costing £380. £196 were raised by subscription and

application was made to the Church Building and Loan Fund. It was soon realised that

it would cost another £40 to furnish the house, but under Mrs Murray the Woodend

and Waikuku ladies set to work on sewing meetings with "characteristic energy", and

the task was soon completed.



The cemetery also needed constant attention. There was the worry of keeping a

caretaker and sexton, of formulating its rules, and tactfully deciding delicate matters in

a Christian spirit. Thus we read:—

"Mrs — made application to the Trustees for to sell her five plots of ground for

graves in the cemetery. She has already paid one shilling per year for twenty

years for each grave. After consideration the meeting decided to let her have

them at one shilling per grave."

There are several things of interest in the cemetery; among them being that some of

the headstones were actually made in England and brought out with the emigrants.

And just inside the entrance gate on the left hand side is the stone of Robt. Atkinson,

first schoolmaster, Sunday School teacher, Trustee, and Local Preacher. The stone

tells the rigours of the journey out. It was in those days also that the Circuit Steward

was paid 12/- for attending funerals!

THE PRESENT CHURCH opened in 1911.

It was not until 1894 that locks and handles were put on the Church and School doors!

There was no need, the folk were pursuing “Scriptural holiness". Yet there were

mishaps. In 1887 both the Episcopalian" and Methodist Church windows were broken

by ruffians and the Trust saw fit to add another two pounds to that offered by Church

of England officials to anyone "who would give information leading to the conviction

of the party or parties who broke the Church windows."

Then in 1900 the shingle roof was replaced by an iron one, but it was soon evident

that through the ravages of dry rot the building was unsafe. In 1906 it was decided to



build and aim to complete the work in two years. A subscription list was opened

shortly afterwards, and in the following autumn the ladies added £71/5/- to the fund.

In 1908 another bazaar added £112/14/6. And in 1910 a third bazaar was opened by

the Mayor of Kaiapoi, Mr. J. H. Blackwell. By this means another £120 was raised.

Truly a noble piece of work by the ladies. Yet the men did their share too. On

November 18th, 1911, a goodly number of men and teams carted shingle from the

property of Mr S. Gibbs and sand from the Aghley and thus saved 4/- per yard on the

shingle and 4/6 per yard on the sand. Similarly on December 9th, 16,000 bricks were

carted from Kaiapoi by the same willing helpers. In this w-ay 24,000 bricks were

carted and 15/- per thousand saved.

Thus the building of the Church was provided for. The actual Architects were England

Bros. and the Contractors Messrs. Wadey and Efford. Great was the rejoicing on May

18th, 1911, when the Church v/as open by Mr G. II. Blackwell and all filed in joining

in a service of thanksgiving to Almighty God who through His people had wrought

such things.

Looking back now, one sees that this was really the first step in a long term building

programme. The Sunday School, twin of the Church, has outlived its partner by 37

years and now exists in a general state of decrepitude. That must be rectified to

accommodate more suitably our youth work. And still later, a new parsonage will be

necessary. But that is to dip into the future. As the story shows, the past was rapid in

its development. The broad outlines of the work are visible. But like so many other

places in the Dominion we are in transit from Mission to Church, and much rebuilding

will have to be done. We know however, that the work of the Kingdom will not lack

for means, as the people will not lack for enthusiasm as the need becomes apparent.



The Extension of the Circuit

(Based on the notes left by the late Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, F.R.Hist.S.)

At first Woodend appeared under the name Gibbs' Town as a preaching place on the

Canterbury Plan, and this continued until 1868 when Kaiapoia became a separate

Circuit with the Rev. J. B. Richardson as Superintendent. In 1869, Rev W. H. Peck

was appointed second minister to the Circuit to assist in the Woodend area. By 1874

the work in the Circuit had developed so rapidly that division was again felt to be

necessary and the Rev. Henry Bull was appointed to the newly formed Rangiora

Circuit comprising Rangiora, Woodend, Southbrook, Waikuku, Mandeville Plains,

Raithby, Ashley Downs, West Eyreton and Cust. Quite an extensive Circuit without

Kaiapoi! Even so, the work continued developing, and in 1875, Rev. P. W. Fairclough

was appointed Probationer to the Rangiora Circuit. Three years later Amberley was

constituted a Home Mission station.

1881 saw the Rangiora Circuit divided with Woodend as the head station of a new

Circuit composed of Woodend, Waikuku and Sefton. Rev. S. J. Garlick was minister.

But the cause was not quite ready for this elevation in status. As a result there was a

continuous cry for a redistribution of Circuit boundaries, and the complaint was not

"we have too little to keep going on," but "You have too much, and your minister's

labours are too scattered to be effective".

By 1886, Woodend and the Amberley Home Mission Station had been re-incorporated

into the Kaiapoi Circuit, and the second minister, Rev. J. T. Pinfold, resided at

Amberley. This arrangement was not satisfactory either. After three years of

disappointment, Woodend again separated from the Kaiapoi Circuit, this time seeking

help from alliance with Amberley, then in a thriving state of health. Rev. D. J. Murray

was appointed minister, but again the experiment in independence failed, for in 1896

Woodend reverted to Rangiora and so continued until 1926. By this time Sefton had

grown considerably, and the Woodend-Sefton Circuit was formed. So it remains

today.



Tales about the early Ministers and Local Preachers

In the early days Methodist ministers were easily recognised, so I am told, by the fact

that they always sat in the centre of the buggy seat to wear out both tyres together!

REV. JOHN ALDRED.

Round about the 'eighties Mr Aldred acquired some little wealth through land matters,

and was thus able to purchase a beautiful coach of some sort, and employ a coachman.

One day he flashed past the hospital corner immaculately dressed in top hat etc. One

man standing on the corner remarked "Who was that gentleman just gone past"? "That

was the minister . . . the Methodist minister". "Not Rev. Aldred", queried the other.

"Yes, Mr. Aldred" was the reassuring reply. "Then you had better write to the

Methodists at home and tell them to cut down their grants, as the ministers are doing

too well on it." ! !

MR JACK SHARPLIN.

"Mr Sharplin was noted for being so full of his message. On one occasion he took off

his coat so that he could have more freedom to drive home his words with heavy and

continual thumps on the Bible.

His ardour was not confined to preaching. On one occasion he walked from West

Oxford to attend a Church tea in Woodend. The walk had sharpened his appetite, and

when asked to carve two fowls one found its way on to his plate and the other was

divided among the rest of the guests. Both fowls disappeared in record time."

REV. JOHN DELLOW.

Often when Mr Dellow returned from services in Amberley in cold sou' west and

frosty weather his beard would be a mass of icicles when he reached home.

REV. P. W. FAIRCLOUGH.

Mr Fairclough boarded with the late Mr James Little and his passion for astronomy

soon became known in the village. This was too much for some of the lads. One night

the village wag arranged for young Martin to put up his kite with a small lantern

attached to the tail. When all was set, Turner called on Mr Fairclough to enquire what

the new star might be. Much to his delight, Fairclough gave the correct astronomical

name and supplied full details into the bargain!

MR JAMES LITTLE.

It's not a story, but a record. Mr Little was famous for his harrows. In the heavy

harrow section, open to all comers, he secured first prize on twenty nine occasions,



having to be content with second place in 1875. In the light harrows he won the first

prize twenty seven times, taking second prizes in 1877, 1878, and 1879.

In horse shoes he also took first prize twenty seven times, playing second fiddle in

1876, 1883, and 1884. He was a Local Preacher of "Christian Perfection". !



The Methodist Denominational School

Prior to 1874 there was no such thing as "free secular and compulsory" education in

New Zealand. Rather, this important aspect of communal and national life was left

very largely to the Churches to organise. Much encouragement was given by the

Provincial Councils, but no effort was made to start schools.

Shortly after the Sunday School was opened in 1861, Mr Robert Atkinson arrived in

Woodend with a burning desire to open a school. In Rangiora, schools first began in

private cottages, but in Woodend the only suitable building to be found was a slab

barn with a calico roof and an earth floor. This barn was lent by the late Mr Geo

Gibbs, and the first school in Woodend began.

All children attending the school paid 1/- per week or 2/6 for three, for their tuition in

the "three R's". About this time anyone owning a house with a chimney had to pay £1

per annum towards school expenses. In this way schools were established and

chimneys regarded as luxuries.

The barn was soon found unsuitable for school purposes, and Mr Thomas Wilson

began a movement for the erection of a building to serve a fourfold purpose, viz. to act

as a day school, Sabbath School, place of Divine worship, and house for Mr Atkinson.

Mr Thomas Ayers gave a section, Mr Thomas Ball gave the bricks, timber was readily

available in the bush, and the community supplied the labour. Thus the first school

building in Woodend, a Methodist Denominational School, 24 feet by 12 feet, was

erected. Later this building was enlarged by the addition of a lean-to 24 feet by 6, and

did duty until the Methodist Church was built in 1864, when the third school (now

serving as a Sunday School) was built.

As the school grew, it received grants from the Provincial Government. In addition,

inspectors and gymnastic instructors were sent out to help along with, or keep an eye

on, the work. So that closer supervision should be kept of these schools the Provincial

Government instituted the system of School Committees, of which the first Chairman

was Rev. James Buller who stood high in the esteem of Canter-bury College for his

learning.

From what can be gathered it seems that close supervision was at times needed. In the

Trust Minutes of 1872, appears the following resolution:—

"That the School Master is requested to be stricter with the children, and see that

they do not damage the property."

Of the curriculum, discipline and staffing of this school Mr H. Gillman has written in

his School Diamond Jubilee Booklet. It needs no repeating. But a word must be added



of those who worked to keep the school going. This is contained in a "Christian

Observer" report of 1st November, 1870.

"On Tuesday, October 25th, a tea meeting in aid of the Wesleyan day school at

Woodend, took place. Tables were provided and presided over by lady members of

the Committee; and there was a numerous number of visitors. After tea, the Rev.

R. S. Bunn, delivered a lecture on the "Backwoods of America" which was

amusing and instructive. Votes of thanks were given to the chair, and Mrs Price

who presided on the harmonium, and to the ladies who provided tea, and the

lecturer."

Methodist Denominal School Pupils attending the Woodend School Diamond Jubilee 1934.

Names from left to right: Mr W. H. Walton, Mr S Ayers, Mrs C. Ferryman and Mrs F. H. Corlett.

In 1874 the Methodist Denominational School was closed and the Board School

opened, but let us not forget that these people stood for a religious education as well as

scholastic attainment.



The Religious Life of Woodend Methodism

The opening of the first Methodist Church in Woodend was a red-letter day for

Methodists, and well it might for the place was opened free of debt. But of that day

only a few details remain. The Rev. James Buller who formed the Trust, conducted the

opening services. His text was Psalm 84: 4. "Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house:

they will be still praising Thee". In the evening Mr Garrick, a solicitor, conducted the

worship, and preached about the apostle Paul.

Many sacred memories of great days for the Kingdom may have been recorded had

someone but collected them. But they sleep with their owners and we are left with

fragments gleaned from scattered sources. However, there seem to have been three

times of great quickening in the work here. Of the first only the bare outlines are

recorded by Mr Samuel Ayers as follows:—

"Soon after the Church was opened Rev. W. Lee and G. S. Harper, 1865,

came out from England and a great revival broke out under their ministry. The

church was filled nearly every night in the week with enquirers, and from that

time became an important centre of influence for good".

The second might be called the "Great Revival", which occurred in 1881 during Rev.

S. J. Garlick's ministry. After special meetings of preparation several ministers were

asked to speak on different nights. Those taking part in the services marched up and

down the village street carrying their banner and inviting people to attend the services.

This happened every night for a week or so. The crowds gathered all right, and many

found peace in Christ.

What were the results of this effort? Sixty people professed faith in Christ, 45 were

attending young converts prayer meetings, band meetings were instituted, and cottage

prayer meetings were begun "to employ the young converts to the advantage of

themselves and others", and the Church membership of 37 was more than doubled.

There were other results also. At least one Local Preacher was found in the person of

Mr John Howell, who unfortunately died a little later at the early age of 22. And, in

1882, largely through the efforts of the Bible and Mutual Improvement Class, a

beautiful silver communion service consisting of two goblets, two plates, a jug and

cabinet was "Presented to the Trustees of the Woodend Wesleyan Church, in Grateful

Remembrance of the Special Services of 1881, by those who Benefitted, March

1882".

The presentation was made by Mr C. S. Howard, (grandfather of Sir Howard

Kippenberger), then just leaving the Woodend School to take up his appointment at

Richmond. He had not only been schoolmaster, but also a Local Preacher of fifteen



years standing in the District. So, after he had made this presentation he himself was

presented with a purse of sovereigns as a mark of appreciation and esteem.

COMMUNION SERVICE

The Communion Service presented to the Trustees of the

Church commemorating the "Great Revival" of 1881.

The third quickening of the work took place in the time of the Rev. John Dellow,

1895. For some time the membership had been fluctuating between 35 and 40, when

there was a sudden increase, and this Minute appears in the Minutes of the Quarterly

Meeting dated October 11th, 1895:

"That this meeting wishes to place on record its heartfelt thanks to the Great Head

of the Church, for the manifestation of His Power, as witnessed recently in this

Circuit."

The following Quarter 56 members-in-full were recorded, 17 Catechumens, and 3

Communicants. And that season set a new level of membership in the Church which

continued at or around that level until the 1920's.



The Class Meeting

Woodend has seen its great days of spiritual quickening in Revivals, but the work of

spiritual consolidation has always been done in the "class meeting", by means of

which Scriptural holiness has most quickly spread. It was to one of these meetings that

Messrs. Ayers, Gibbs and Skevington tramped to Kaiapoi every week after the day's

work. This was in 1859. But so far as I can ascertain the first class meetings were not

held in Woodend until 1875.

In April of that year Rev. P. W. Fairclough was appointed second minister to the

Rangiora Circuit to work the Woodend area.

By July of that year the first class had met. Its members were Eliza Stevens, Martha

Farrar, Rebecca Ayers, Mary Wooding, Selina Norton, Mary Sandeison, M. J. Ranby

and Mary Corrigan. The first men's class dates from 1877, but men's classes met prior

to that date as the page is headed, "Both classes again united". Of men's classes prior

to this date there is no record. At this time there were 24 on the class roll, three being

Local Preachers.

The meetings were held at different times. Sometimes on a Monday, but usually on

Tuesday evenings. In 1878 a meeting was dropped because it fell on Christmas Eve!

Sometimes it clashed with a tea meeting at Rangiora, or with the Home Mission

deputation. Sometimes it was stopped simply because it rained! The ministers were

very zealous for class to be attended regularly, and it is interesting to note the

resignations which came over the Rev. Luxford after pressing for class members to

attend during harvest. "During the harvest months it is impossible to have class-

meetings. People will not leave their work", he protests. In another place he more

graciously says, "Harvest months . . . members unable to meet".

At this time it was also customary for the class leader to note in the Remarks column

how the member was progressing. The notes are instructive. Such as the following

occur. "Regular attendant. Good Christian". "Never meets. Once ran well". "Never

meets, but good Christian". "Good Christian, regular". "True Christian, irregular".

"Peculiar man". "Once bid fair".

A penny a week was the first contribution expected of Methodists towards the work of

the Church, but in Woodend there seems to have been no fixed amount. Provision was

also made for the "Yearly Collection; or, Worn-out Ministers' Fund". Perhaps in those

days ministers were of tougher constitution and never wore out. Or perhaps they

preferred to die in harness as did Revs. Wm. Ellis and Jno. Dellow in Woodend.

However it be, this collection was never taken.



After about twenty years functioning the class meeting went into a rapid decline. In

Vol. 1, page 17 of the "New Zealand Methodist" we read that non-attendance at class

was discussed in its bearing upon membership.

"Instead of insisting on the legal question means should be adopted to promote an

appetite for this means of grace, and this would be best accomplished by seeking

to raise the spiritual tone of the Churches. Therefore special services were to be

arranged for in August if preparation meetings of Church workers were such as to

warrant them".

This was just two years after the "Great Revival" of 1881! For a few years more these

meetings continued to be held, but the last class met, so far as can be gathered from

remaining records in December, 1890. Its place was taken in part by the Bible, and

Mutual Improvement Class.



The Sunday School

While the Sunday School began with only six members, its later growth was rapid and

its influence widespread. Apart from the Church of England Sunday School, and a

desultory attempt by the Salvation Army in the 'eighties to begin Youth Work, there

has been no other Sunday School in the village. Hence there has been but little

competition in the matter.

The school started in 1861 under the leadership of the late Mr Thomas Wilson of

Waikuku. With him on the staff were associated the late Mr Samuel Ayers, and the

late Mr Robert Atkinson. Not until 1905 did Mr Wilson relinquish this work which

was very dear to his heart. There are still a number of folk living who can well

remember the old gentleman walking up and down the school floor during class time,

his "fez" cap on his head, his ear trumpet in hand, using his years and prestige to help

keep control.

Unfortunately no records exist before 1899, but we know that in his time the school

reached its zenith. In that year there were 11 teachers on the staff. In 1901 there were

65 scholars and the average attendance was 52. In 1904 the roll number increased to

89 with an average attendance of 61, with 12 teachers on the staff. In addition to this

there was a branch school at Waikuku with 22 on the roll and an average attendance of

16.

In 1906 Mr E. C. Pateman assumed the Superintendancy and continued in that office

until 1931. Thus he completed 25 years as Superintendent and 53 as a Sunday School

teacher. Having to retire through faiiing health, Mr Pateman was elected an honorary

member of the staff. Truly Woodend was blessed in its first two" Superintendents!

In reading over the minutes of the Teachers meetings one cannot help gaining the

impression that the broad lines of Sunday School development were well and truly

laid. Each year a sum of money ranging from £3 to £7/10/- was set aside for "prizes

and libraries". In this way an excellent Sunday School library of 1,000 volumes at

least was built up. This was used considerably by the local scholars, and old volumes

were exchanged with the Rangiora School and others. It is to be regretted that this

practice has been dropped in recent years.

The first Sunday in every month was observed as Missionary Sunday when a special

offering for Missions was taken. In later years the scholars ran a Missionary bazaar,

and in this way helped the work along.

It was largely due to the Sunday School teachers that the Trust was prevailed upon to

purchase the old Church vestry for £12 to extend the School. The School guaranteed

half the cost.



Twice in the history of the school have decision days been held. In May 1905 between

30 and 40 children "professed to decide for Christ", and in 1913 over 20 children

returned decision cards to their teachers.

In the course of the years several innovations have been made. In 1911 it was decided

to form the 1st Girls' Class into a Bible Class! In 1914, the Cradle Roll began, and

birthday cards sent out to the children. And in November 1923, "It was decided to

have holidays as had been the case in the past two or three years".

By 1917 decline had set in. In September the average attendance was returned as

thirty. The library was forgotten so far as upkeep was concerned. And in 1929 the

Waikuku School was abandoned.

Following Mr Pateman's retirement there has been a succession of Superintendents in

the persons of Mr H. Robertshaw, Miss E. Burnet, and Mrs J. H. Hall. The present

Superintendent is Mr A. Adams with Misses Ailsa Quinn and Adrienne Robinson

assisting. The present roll now numbers 23 pupils, and the work is being well done by

this willing band of workers.

Mention should also be made of the long service rendered by Mrs Geo. Little in the

training of the children for Anniversaries. And Anniversaries recall picnics, and

picnics the Tea meetings and ail-the other activities connected with Sunday School

life which need catering for. A catering list of 1908 shows the scale on which things

were done.

1 small ham 8 doz. cream horns 36 doz. assorted pastry

4 doz. queen cakes 3 doz. sponge cakes 10 sandwich loaves

4 doz. sultana buns 10 lb. butter 8 lb. currant cake

¼ lb. mustard 9 lb. sponge rolls 6 lb. sugar

12 lb. sponge sandwiches 2 doz. Scones (F. Benjes, H. Hawkins, Mr Ballinger)

Let us pray that such catering will again be necessary for a Sunday School Tea

Meeting!



The Mutual Improvement Society

On May 6th, 1881, there was formed the "Woodend Wesleyan Bible and Mutual

Improvement Class", and records of its activities exist for four years. This Class was

formed by Rev. S. J. Garlick, and its first officers were; President: Mr C. S. Howard,

Secretary: Mr J. H. Salkeld, Treasurer: Mr E. C. Pateman.

The aim of the Class was set forth in its name, viz. to study the Bible, and to help

improve one another spiritually, culturally, and socially. Thus the first hour was

devoted to Bible study led by the minister, and the second hour and a half to the

giving of papers, recitations, and readings together with criticisms of the rendering of

them. Some of these criticisms make interesting reading today. The first Annual

Report reads:—

"Mr Claud Pateman led the way with one (paper) on 'theatre going' which,

though short, was very good. This shortness may be attributed to its being the

first, still Bro. Pateman greatly improved as the one he read on 'Saul' was both

better and longer. Mr John Howell wrote two, the one on 'Horse Racing' in

which he gave several very satisfactory reasons why it should be stopped. The

other on 'Erasmus' was very interesting. Mr. Alfred Catchpole wrote one on

'David'—very fair.

Mr J. H. Salkeld wrote one on 'Dreams', being greatly pulled to pieces."

The Minutes also record frank criticism of the minister. "On April 14th Rev. S. J.

Garlick read and spoke at great length on evangelistic services, not very interesting".

However, that does not mean to say that this band of youngish people were not

interested in evangelism. They were. It was largely through their efforts that the

subscription list was opened for the purchase of the Sacramental Service

commemorating the "Great Revival" of 1881. Further, these young folk gave every

fourth meeting night to "Praise, Prayer, and Experience" at which it was not

uncommon for at least a dozen to give their testimony of Christ's influence upon them.

These meetings also found practical expression in service. It conducted prayer

meetings before the Sunday evening service, formed a Christian Workers' Society,

held cottage prayer meetings, and conducted a Bible Class on Sunday afternoons.

How many a minister would love such a group today!

Shortly after its inception this Class lost four of its leaders. Mr C. S. Howard removed

to Christchurch, Rev. S. J. Garlick to the Hutt, Mr George went to Papanui, and Mr

John Howell was called to higher service. When the influence of these men was

withdrawn the movement lost much of its vitality but even when the records cease, it

still had a membership of thirty.



From a distance of over 50 years it is difficult to evaluate the results of such a Class.

But tribute is paid to such work by the fact that in 1924 a somewhat similar group was

begun by Mr Foote, and our present Bible Class has been pleased to adopt some of its

ideas. Never since however, has the Young Peoples' work assumed such proportions.

And so To-day

The story thus unfolded is but a part of much more that could be related. And much

more will never be 'told by mortal lips. Such as has been written is but part of His

ways in the life of our Church. And we of the present, who at this time look back,

cherish these ancient things in our hearts. We crave the same love for God as these

had. But we look to the present task that needs attending to in Sunday School and

Bible Class, in Choir and Guild and Trust, and in all these things seek to prove worthy

stewards of every good gift which has been bestowed upon us.

A LIST OF MINISTERS AND THE TERM OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS.

P. W. Fairclough (1875) A. Ashcroft (1906-08)

J. A. Luxford (1876-77) J. H. Haslam (1909-12)

H. Ellis (1878-79) J. R. Clark (1913-16)

died in Woodend. F. Greenwood (1917)

S. J. Garlick (1880-82) C. B. Jordon (1918-20 )

L. Hudson (1883-85) C. A. Foston (1921-22 )

J. T. Pinfold (1886-88) F. E. Foot (1923-24)

resided at Amberley. home Missionary.

D. J. Murray (1889-90) W.P. Cuming (1925-27)

C. H. Standage (1891-93) J. R. Nelson (1928-30)

J. Dellow (1894-97) H. Ford (1931-35)

died in Woodend. W.B. Neal (1936-38)

T. A. Joughin (1901-05) J. H. Hall (1939-46)

Supply for few months. W. J. Enticott (1947)

T. N. Griffin (1898-1900) W. A. Chambers (1948)

T. A. Joughin (1901-05)



Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment is gladly made to the following people for their glad assistance in

the search for relevant material to make the production of this booklet possible. The

Connexional staff has placed at my disposal early numbers of the "New Zealand

Wesleyan" and its successors in Methodist newspapers, the letters of the early

missionaries, and the memoranda of the late Mr Samuel Ayers. Mrs W. H. Judson has

lent me her "scrap book" which I have found invaluable, besides producing early

Rangiora plans on which Woodend appeared as a preaching place. Other friends have

given me copies of the Woodend District School Diamond Jubilee booklet written by

the late Mr H. Gillman, and our own Methodist Diamond Jubilee folders. Many others

have helped in conversation, or with photographs and books to penetrate into that

darkening world beyond the range of human memory in which the Methodists of

Woodend played a prominent part. This booklet does not aim to give a complete

account of Methodist history in Woodend, but simply to collect and relate much that

might soon be forgotten or lost. Hence the early years are more fully treated than the

later years. Another must write up the story of more recent days.

woodend methodist church . . beginning historical/6(4...efforts as the following story will tell. a...

Documents